Genesis 22:11-24 – The Test Passed

All has been dark so far, but now a light comes. The angel of the LORD, who is Jesus Himself, intervenes to save Isaac as He has intervened with His death to save us. God’s test of Abraham’s love is finished. Abraham is willing to give Isaac up, so Isaac is restored to him. God often gives back to us the things He asks us to give up. Abraham is praised for the obedience he has shown that proves his love for God.

Another sacrifice is provided instead of Isaac, and Abraham offers the ram with thankfulness to God for the deliverance of his son. A new name is given to the mountain, to honour God and to encourage all believers to trust in God to work everything out.

God doesn’t just accept Abraham’s obedience, He graciously rewards him abundantly before he even moves from that place. God renews His covenant with Abraham, praising his obedience, and swearing that He will give Abraham numerous descendants, both biological and spiritual, who through faith will triumph over their enemies. Those who are willing to part with anything for God shall always have it made up to them abundantly. God also gives Abraham the greatest promise of all – the promise of the Messiah, the seed of Abraham that brings blessing to all nations and peoples.